Mark Maynard on cars

Honda and its Marine Science Foundation announced June 4 that it will support five U.S. research groups in their missions to preserve coastal areas threatened by climate change. The research projects, including an association with San Diego-based Scripps Institution of Oceanography, strive to promote harmonious interaction between humans and the ocean. The Honda Marine Science Foundation annually awards up to $400,000 in grant funds to conservation organizations. The recipients for 2020 are California Sea Grant,...

Special Edition Toyota Corolla hatchback gets red-hot Supersonic Red paint and body kit Fireworks displays this summer might be socially distanced or even socially unacceptable, but Toyota just lit the fuse on a Corolla hatchback special edition that should get some attention, in Supersonic Red. On sale in late summer, the special edition will be limited to 1,500 hatchbacks, all in the unique metallic paint color. Special features include black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and a...

Since Ford’s vow in 2017 to bring back the Bronco, fans have eagerly awaited its return. Based on a foundation from the current-generation Ford Ranger, the reveal of the midsize SUV is expected this July. There were five generations of Bronco, built from 1966 to mid-1996, when Ford announced the discontinuation of the Bronco to make way for the Expedition. The second-generation was moved to a larger F-150 chassis (to better compete with the Chevrolet...

More utilitarian in its mission, the GLB introduces a different style from what might be expected of a Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz is working its way through the alphabet for its lineup of SUVS, with nameplates of GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS and the mighty G-Class. Including the so-called “coupe” body-style variants, there are eight SUVs in the lineup, from subcompact to compact, midsize, full-size and full-size plus. Globally, one in three Mercedes-Benz cars is now an...

Beginning in 1920, GMC and Chevrolet trucks became largely similar, built as variants of the same platform, sharing much the same body sheetwork, except for nameplates and grilles — though their differences, especially engines, have varied over the years, according to Wikipedia. GMC advertising marketed its trucks to commercial buyers and businesses, whereas Chevrolet’s advertising was directed toward private owners. Beginning in 1928, GMCs used Pontiac’s 186 cubic-inch six-cylinder engines in their lighter trucks. Medium-duty...

Deliveries of first model expected by year-end Despite a global pandemic, low gasoline prices, financial instability for many consumers and production challenges in the U.S. and Mexico, Ford’s 2021 Mach-E electric coupe is still on target for sales to begin late this year, according to the automaker’s Global Director of Electrification Mark Kaufman. East and West Coast video conferences were held May 27 to update journalists on the purpose-built electric SUV coupe and to discuss...

Hyundai announced May 28 that its high-performance N Brand will be the title sponsor of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) race weekend at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Sept. 4-6, in Monterey, Calif. This year’s IMSA Race Weekend will be the Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship. Hyundai will provide N Brand experiences to fans throughout the weekend. The title sponsorship is intended to enhance Hyundai’s growing N and N Line portfolio of vehicles that...

Big muscle from its 5.0-liter V-8 will become top performing Mustang From the golden age of muscle cars in the late 1960s to the golden age of power, Ford announced today that the Mustang Mach 1 is roaring back to life with a debut expected this spring. And that should mean soon, with the official start of summer on June 20. No specifics were shared, except that it will have a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8...

Midsize sedan to go on sale this fall starting in the mid-$30,000 range Acura revealed today, May 28, what it calls the quickest, best-handling and most well-appointed sedan in the brand’s 35-year history — the 2021 Acura TLX. The midsize sport sedan joins the RDX compact SUV and NSX supercar as the entry-luxury brand revives its mojo as a performance and technology brand. Acura had announced in mid-May that it will discontinue its large RLX...

"Has anyone experienced the brown tire funk buildup using this product. It seems to have accelerated the antiozonant blooming (the brown haze) on my Mickey Thompson Sport Radials. But then again, I did use some other products; mostly Armor All, before it."